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Chen Y, Huang Y, Huang R, Chen Z, Wang X, Chen F, Huang Y. Interleukin-10 gene intervention ameliorates liver fibrosis by enhancing the immune function of natural killer cells in liver tissue. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111341. [PMID: 38081103 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and natural killer (NK) cells have the potential to combat liver fibrosis. However, whether NK cells play an important role in the anti-fibrotic effects of IL-10 is not sufficiently elucidated. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of IL-10 on NK cells during liver fibrosis. METHODS Fibrotic mice induced with carbon tetrachloride were treated with or without IL-10 in the presence or absence of NK cells. Liver damage and fibrosis were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius Red staining and serum transaminase and liver hydroxyproline assays, respectively. NK cell distribution, quantity, activation, cytotoxicity, development, and origin were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine chemokine levels. RESULTS In the presence of NK cells, IL-10 gene intervention improved liver fibrosis and enhanced NK cell accumulation and function in the liver, as evidenced by increased NKG2D, interferon-γ, and CD107a expression. Furthermore, IL-10 promoted the migration of circulating NK cells to the fibrotic liver and elevated C-C motif ligand 5 levels. However, depletion of NK cells exacerbated liver fibrosis and impaired the anti-fibrotic effect of IL-10. CONCLUSIONS The anti-fibrotic effect of IL-10 relies on the enhancement of NK cell immune function, including activation, cytotoxicity, development, and migration. These results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms through which IL-10 regulates NK cells to limit the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Yixuan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Rongfeng Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Zhixin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Xiaozhong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Fenglin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Yuehong Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Fujian Institute of Digestive Disease, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Digestive System Tumors and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
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Wang Y, Shen M, Li Y, Shao J, Zhang F, Guo M, Zhang Z, Zheng S. COVID-19-associated liver injury: Adding fuel to the flame. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:1076-1092. [PMID: 37947373 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 is mainly characterized by respiratory disorders and progresses to multiple organ involvement in severe cases. With expansion of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 research, correlative liver injury has been revealed. It is speculated that COVID-19 patients exhibited abnormal liver function, as previously observed in the SARS and MERS pandemics. Furthermore, patients with underlying diseases such as chronic liver disease are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and indicate a poor prognosis accompanied by respiratory symptoms, systemic inflammation, or metabolic diseases. Therefore, COVID-19 has the potential to impair liver function, while individuals with preexisting liver disease suffer from much worse infected conditions. COVID-19 related liver injury may be owing to direct cytopathic effect, immune dysfunction, gut-liver axis interaction, and inappropriate medication use. However, discussions on these issues are infancy. Expanding research have revealed that angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression mediated the combination of virus and target cells, iron metabolism participated in the virus life cycle and the fate of target cells, and amino acid metabolism regulated immune response in the host cells, which are all closely related to liver health. Further exploration holds great significance in elucidating the pathogenesis, facilitating drug development, and advancing clinical treatment of COVID-19-related liver injury. This article provides a review of the clinical and laboratory hepatic characteristics in COVID-19 patients, describes the etiology and impact of liver injury, and discusses potential pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Shen
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yujia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Radmanić L, Korać P, Gorenec L, Šimičić P, Bodulić K, Vince A, Lepej SŽ. Distinct Expression Patterns of Genes Coding for Biological Response Modifiers Involved in Inflammatory Responses and Development of Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C: Upregulation of SMAD-6 and MMP-8 and Downregulation of CAV-1, CTGF, CEBPB, PLG, TIMP-3, MMP-1, ITGA-1, ITGA-2 and LOX. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58121734. [PMID: 36556936 PMCID: PMC9785468 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58121734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of genes on transcriptomic levels involved in inflammatory immune responses and the development of fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Materials and Methods: Expression patterns of 84 selected genes were analyzed with real-time quantitative RT PCR arrays in the peripheral blood of treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis C and healthy controls. The panel included pro- and anti-fibrotic genes, genes coding for extracellular matrix (EMC) structural constituents and remodeling enzymes, cell adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, signal transduction members of the transforming growth factor- beta (TGF-ß) superfamily, transcription factors, and genes involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Results: The expression of SMAD-6 coding for a signal transduction TGF-beta superfamily member as well as MMP-8 coding for an ECM protein were significantly increased in CHC patients compared with controls. Conclusions: Chronic hepatitis C was also characterized by a significant downregulation of a set of genes including CAV-1, CTGF, TIMP-3, MMP-1, ITGA-1, LOX, ITGA-2, PLG and CEBPB encoding various biological response modifiers and transcription factors. Our results suggest that chronic hepatitis C is associated with distinct patterns of gene expression modulation in pathways associated with the regulation of immune responses and development of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona Radmanić
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Petra Korać
- Division of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lana Gorenec
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Petra Šimičić
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristian Bodulić
- Research Department, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Adriana Vince
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Snježana Židovec Lepej
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-1-2826-625
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Liu P, Li H, Li R, Geng Y, Gong J, Xu H, Xu Z, Shi J. Nanoencapsulation of chitooligosaccharides enhances its oral bioavailability and anti-liver fibrotic effects. Food Res Int 2022; 157:111471. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Yélamos MB, Díez C, Gómez J, Hontañón V, Torresano-Felipe F, Berenguer J, González-García J, Ibañez-Samaniego L, Llop E, Olveira A, Martínez J, Resino S, Martínez I. Negative impact of HIV infection on broad-spectrum anti-HCV neutralizing antibody titers in HCV-infected patients with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113024. [PMID: 35483197 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to assess the impact of HIV on the production of anti-HCV antibodies in HCV-infected individuals with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis before and 36 weeks after the sustained virological response (SVR) induced by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy. METHODS Prospective study on 62 patients (50 HIV/HCV-coinfected and 12 HCV-monoinfected). Plasma anti-E2 and HCV-nAbs were determined respectively by ELISA and microneutralization assays. RESULTS At baseline, the HCV-group had higher anti-E2 levels against Gt1a (p = 0.012), Gt1b (p = 0.023), and Gt4a (p = 0.005) than the HIV/HCV-group. After SVR, anti-E2 titers against Gt1a (p < 0.001), Gt1b (p = 0.001), and Gt4a (p = 0.042) were also higher in the HCV-group than HIV/HCV-group. At 36 weeks post-SVR, plasma anti-E2 titers decreased between 1.3 and 1.9-fold in the HIV/HCV-group (p < 0.001) and between 1.5 and 1.8-fold in the HCV-group (p ≤ 0.001). At baseline, the HCV-group had higher titers of HCV-nAbs against Gt1a (p = 0.022), Gt1b (p = 0.002), Gt2a (p < 0.001), and Gt4a (p < 0.001) than the HIV/HCV-group. After SVR, HCV-nAbs titers against Gt1a (p = 0.014), Gt1b (p < 0.001), Gt2a (p = 0.002), and Gt4a (p = 0.004) were also higher in the HCV-group. At 36 weeks post-SVR, HCV-nAbs decreased between 2.6 and 4.1-fold in the HIV/HCV-group (p < 0.001) and between 1.9 and 4.0-fold in the HCV-group (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS HIV/HCV-coinfected patients produced lower levels of broad-spectrum anti-HCV antibodies than HCV-monoinfected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Belén Yélamos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Díez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH; Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Gómez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Hontañón
- Unidad de VIH; Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Torresano-Felipe
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Berenguer
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH; Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan González-García
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de VIH; Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Ibañez-Samaniego
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elva Llop
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Olveira
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Martínez
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isidoro Martínez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Chen L, Kong D, Xia S, Wang F, Li Z, Zhang F, Zheng S. Crosstalk Between Autophagy and Innate Immunity: A Pivotal Role in Hepatic Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:891069. [PMID: 35656309 PMCID: PMC9152088 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.891069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a repair process of chronic liver injuries induced by toxic substances, pathogens, and inflammation, which exhibits a feature such as deposition of the extracellular matrix. The initiation and progression of liver fibrosis heavily relies on excessive activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The activated HSCs express different kinds of chemokine receptors to further promote matrix remodulation. The long-term progression of liver fibrosis will contribute to dysfunction of the liver and ultimately cause hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver also has abundant innate immune cells, including DCs, NK cells, NKT cells, neutrophils, and Kupffer cells, which conduct complicated functions to activation and expansion of HSCs and liver fibrosis. Autophagy is one specific type of cell death, by which the aberrantly expressed protein and damaged organelles are transferred to lysosomes for further degradation, playing a crucial role in cellular homeostasis. Autophagy is also important to innate immune cells in various aspects. The previous studies have shown that dysfunction of autophagy in hepatic immune cells can result in the initiation and progression of inflammation in the liver, directly or indirectly causing activation of HSCs, which ultimately accelerate liver fibrosis. Given the crosstalk between innate immune cells, autophagy, and fibrosis progression is complicated, and the therapeutic options for liver fibrosis are quite limited, the exploration is essential. Herein, we review the previous studies about the influence of autophagy and innate immunity on liver fibrosis and the molecular mechanism to provide novel insight into the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Siwei Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhanghao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Identification of miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-99b-5p as Fibrosis-Specific Extracellular Biomarkers and Promoters of HSC Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189799. [PMID: 34575957 PMCID: PMC8464755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting in the formation of fibrous scars. In the clinic, liver biopsies are the standard diagnostic method despite the potential for clinical complications. miRNAs are single-stranded, non-coding RNAs that can be detected in tissues, body fluids and cultured cells. The regulation of many miRNAs has been linked to tissue damage, including liver fibrosis in patients, resulting in aberrant miRNA expression/release. Experimental evidence also suggests that miRNAs are regulated in a similar manner in vitro and could thus serve as translational in vitro–in vivo biomarkers. In this work, we set out to identify and characterize biomarkers for liver fibrosis that could be used in vitro and clinically for research and diagnostic purposes. We focused on miRNAs released from hepatic 3D cultures exposed to methotrexate (MTX), which causes fibrosis, and acetaminophen (APAP), an acute hepatotoxicant with no clinically relevant association to liver fibrosis. Using a 3D in vitro model, we corroborated compound-specific responses as we show MTX induced a fibrotic response, and APAP did not. Performing miRNA-seq of cell culture supernatants, we identified potential miRNA biomarkers (miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p, niRNA-125a-5p and miR-99b-5p) that were associated with a fibrotic phenotype and not with hepatocellular damage alone. Moreover, transfection of HSC with miR-199a-5p led to decreased expression of caveolin-1 and increased α-SMA expression, suggesting its role in HSC activation. In conclusion, we propose that extracellular miR-214-3p, miR-99b-5p, miR-125a-5p and specifically miR-199a-5p could contribute towards a panel of miRNAs for identifying liver fibrosis and that miR-199a-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-99b-5p are promoters of HSC activation.
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Evaluation of long-term changes of aspartate—platelet ratio index, FIB4, and liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis C patients successfully treated by direct-acting antivirals. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-021-00141-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
A large number of chronic hepatitis C patients had been successfully treated by directly acting antivirals; therefore, strategies for the long-term follow-up of these patients have to be planned based on the post-treatment fibrosis stage—the main determinant of prognosis. In this study, we aim to evaluate changes in aspartate-platelet ratio index, FIB4, and liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis C patients who achieved SVR and ended treatment more than 1 year by DAAs.
Results
One hundred chronic hepatitis C patients who achieved SVR were enrolled at a median of 16 months after the end of treatment by DAAs. According to the baseline liver stiffness, 63 and 37 patients belonged to early (F0, F1, and F2) and advanced (F3 and F4) fibrosis stages, respectively. Both groups showed a decline of the degree of liver stiffness at follow-up compared to the baseline that was statistically significant in the early fibrosis group (5.9±1.5 vs 5.4±2.2 Kpcal, p=0.04), while measurements in the advanced group were (18±8.8 vs 15.9 ± 7.8 Kpcal, p=0.07). Also, serum biomarkers of fibrosis improved in both groups, where the recorded APRI and FIB4 before and after treatment were 0.42±0.3 vs 0.24±0.1, p<0.01 and 1±0.6 vs 0.93 ±0.5, p=0.1 in the early group and 0.85 ±0.5 vs 0.4±0.2, p <0.001 and 2.9±2.3 vs 1.8±1.4, p<0.02) in the advanced group, respectively. Changes in APRI and FIB4 correlated with changes in AST and ALT, but liver stiffness changes were not affected by changes in liver enzymes.
Conclusion
Although long-term improvement of APRI, FIB4, and liver stiffness scores could be achieved in chronic HCV patients after SVR by DAAS. High measurements of liver stiffness before treatment likely persist. We recommend transient elastography as a reliable tool for fibrosis assessment post-treatment.
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Li J, Guo C, Wu J. The Agonists of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ for Liver Fibrosis. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:2619-2628. [PMID: 34168433 PMCID: PMC8219117 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s310163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common link in the transformation of acute and chronic liver diseases to cirrhosis. It is of great clinical significance to study the factors associated with the induction of liver fibrosis and elucidate the method of reversal. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a class of nuclear transcription factors that can be activated by peroxisome proliferators. PPARs play an important role in fibrosis of various organs, especially the liver, by regulating downstream targeted pathways, such as TGF-β, MAPKs, and NF-κB p65. In recent years, the development and screening of PPAR-γ ligands have become a focus of research. The PPAR-γ ligands include synthetic hypolipidemic and antidiabetic drugs. In addition, microRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs and nano new drugs have attracted research interest. In this paper, the research progress of PPAR-γ in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver fibrosis was discussed based on the relevant literature in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200060, People's Republic of China
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